www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Can an icon be a masterpiece?

I am looking for descriptive words for icons.
Any suggestions?

Thanks
Pani Rose

Whether an icon is or is not a masterpiece will probably depend upon the iconographer.

Incognitus

Thanks!

Does that word accurately describe ancient icons. I don't want to use a word that would not be proper.

I'd say that depends on the ancient icon in question!

Gaudior, who certainly would use the word if the iconography warranted it.

Yes...an icon can be a masterpiece by G-d Himself. We are the Icons of G-d. There's no earthly Icons better than that.

SPDundas
Deaf Byzantine

When you think about it, just the word "icon" by itself says even more than the word "masterpiece"!

Great point! There is none better than the works done by G-d himself.

Thanks!!!

Yes, I think the term "masterpiece" is not appropriate for icons; too arty, too humanistic. Of course there are icons that exquisitely achieve what icons aspire to [the Rublev Trinity icon being universally recognized as the ultimate achievement of the iconographer's art] but it is more than "art"; it is prayer in paint, a work of the Holy Spirit....
-Daniel

Ok, I give.

I am building an online store and trying to figure out the best way to title the store front.

I was thinking something like

AWESOME BYZANTINE ICONS
A Replica of a Heavenly Masterpiece
egg tempra on wood or handcrafted silver

All suggestions welcomed!

Rose,

holy icons.

windows to heaven.

God bless,

Paul

I like it!

But how about "Icons of the Rose" so you can get your name in there, in a nice way?

Pani Rose, Along those same lines you might say, IN AWE OF ICONS...a replica...etc. Or maybe AWE INSPIRING ICONS. I like getting the AWE in there somehow. Because they do put you in AWE. Both thumbs way up!

Mary Jo

Going along with Paul's how about HOLY ICONS: WINDOWS TO HEAVEN?

Dear Rose,

I like your's the best.

Zenovia

As an iconographer I like to say that "God is the artist, He uses my hands."

Ray

As an armchair theologian I like to gaze at my icons and say, "Ah, theology in color!" Besides that was the term the Byzantine priest-teacher used to describe icons in the course I took from him on "Byzantine Spirituality"...He called them, "Theology in Color."

Porter

Hey Rose- speaking of "Icons of the Rose", how do you like my new avatar image?
It is "Mother of God, Ever-blooming Rose". I found it at a small Russian church [OCA] near here. I asked the priest if I could trace it and instead he made a photocopy from it, from whence I painted this icon [a gift to my daughter, Maria Rose]...
-Daniel

Pani Rose,

Slava Isusu Christu! Slava Na Viki!

You stated:
I like this. When I search for icons though, I usually search for "Orthodox icon, Russian icon, and/or Greek icon". Also use ikon and ikone sometimes. I would suggest you ensure these terms are listed at least in your meta tags for all the pages pertaining to this blessed venture.

Another suggestion? How about:

Heavenly and Holy Icons
Replicas of Sacred Byzantine Masterpieces
Egg tempra on wood or handcrafted silver

Good luck! Let me know when you are ready. I need a small hand painted icon of St. Stephen for a wonderful person at the parish who wishes to take this with her for the Final Judgement.

(money is no object if a handpainted icon is less than $10.00- just kidding )

In Christ,

Michael

Glory to God!

Thank you guys so much for all your help. I like many of the suggestions you made.

It may take a few weeks to get it up, and I will post it as soon as it is ready.

Again, thank you so much!
Pani Rose